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Melvin has options in A's outfield

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PHOENIX -- In advance of Sunday's first full-squad workout, A's position players officially reported to camp on Saturday, paving the way for conversation about where some of them will play.

Such talk with manager Bob Melvin immediately shifted to the outfield, where the A's are juggling Yoenis Cespedes, Coco Crisp, Josh Reddick, Chris Young and Seth Smith. Melvin reiterated that Cespedes, Crisp and Reddick are his everyday outfielders, from left to right, while Young will spell each of them on a regular basis. Smith will likely find most of his at-bats at designated hitter.

"We have a good group here," Melvin said, "and we're going to find the right combinations. With this time here, we're able to figure out where everything fits, and then come up with some kind of formula going into the season that works for everybody."

Center field is the only position Young played in his previous seven Major League seasons, so Melvin understands that "it's going to be hard" for him to learn both corner spots.

"The first time he has to go into another position, there's a lot of pride that comes into play, especially considering how good of a center fielder he is," Melvin explained. "Therefore, I know how difficult it's going to be his first couple of times out there, not only in a game in a different position but doing work at a different position. I'm very understanding of that, but he knows what's expected."

"During Spring Training, I'm sure I'll figure out a lot more what my role will be," Young said earlier this week. "As I go into the season, I'm sure I'll know a lot more. But as of now, I'm just showing up prepared to play."

Cespedes was not seen on Saturday, as his flight from Florida wasn't expected to land until evening, but he's fully expected to be in uniform for Sunday's workout. Also joining the team will be 2012 first-round Draft pick Addison Russell, who, like Cespedes, was traveling most of Saturday.